Library & LRC

Facilities

Gumley's Library and Learning Resource Centre (LRC) is situated in a specially adapted building (formerly the chapel). The ground floor houses the main library, three computer and teaching areas, and a laptop trolley. The upper floor has one study room and a gallery with computers specifically for 6th form use for quiet independent study. The interior is spacious with wide doorways and low bookcases making the centre accessible to all.

The LRD facilitates over 20,000 resources available on the library catalogue including fiction, non-fiction and reference books. The catalogue also lists links to relevant websites for student research. The centre with its varied resources and ICT facilities offers teachers and students an environment in which to work and support activities not always possible in the classroom.

There is a large selection of newspapers, magazines and periodicals for use in the library.

There are computers available for all students throughout the day and after school.There is a Sixth Form study area located on the library gallery. Printing and Photocopying facilities are available for student use.

Loans

Years 7, 8 & 9 : 2 books for 3 weeks

Years 10 & 11 : 4 books for 3 weeks

Years 12 & 13 : 6 books for 3 weeks

All books may be renewed for a further three weeks if required. Books can be reserved if a title is out on loan.

Student Librarians

We have a dedicated group of student librarians who help during break and lunchtimes. There are also a large number of sixth formers who carry out their service in the library.

Storytelling

A group of Year 10 and 11 students are trained to visit local primary schools to tell stories and sing songs. This initiative benefits both our girls and the primary school children and all afternoons are thoroughly enjoyed.

Library Committee

We hold half-termly meetings where form representatives put forward the ideas and views of their forms. The minutes of the meeting are then distributed to every form for feedback and discussion.

Hounslow Teen Read

Hounslow Teen Read is an annual borough event. A group of year 9 and 10 students read a shortlist of books and then vote for their favourite. The final winner is then chosen from all participating schools and announced at an Awards Ceremony at the Paul Robeson Theatre.

World Book Day/Author Visits

World Book Day is celebrated in March when every student receives a £1 book token to redeem against a book of their choice. We invite popular authors to celebrate this day and hold quizzes and competitions.

Reading Clubs

Reading clubs are held for Year 7 and 8 students to discuss and recommend their favourite books and to participate in the many activities that take place. Club members also have first choice of any new books.

Book Fair

An annual book fair is held in the library where students can buy books, posters and stationary. The commission earned enables us to buy new resources.

The Library and Learning Resource Centre exists to:

Promote reading and independent research and learning skills throughout the school community.

Provide a welcoming and sheltered environment where the development of these skills can flourish, with trained staff to assist students and teachers.

Raise standards of literacy through encouraging students to develop a love and enjoyment of books and reading.

Make library related activities an integral part of teaching and learning across the school.

Increase students’ confidence in locating and handling information, and contribute to their social development by their involvement in running the library.

Facilitate teaching and learning by effectively managing the resources to support the curriculum and whole school community.

For more information on the Library and LRC, please download the 'Leaflet for Students' below.